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Monday, April 4, 2016

CORE POST

Masculinity in its most basic and renowned
conventional form can be observed in The
Terminator franchise film series. “Hardcore masculinity” revolves around
the notion that masculinity is founded on big muscles, even bigger guns, and a knack
for high-tense, brutal violence and fiery explosions. Add in some fast cars, a deep
voice, and a questionable morality and “hardcore masculinity” is fully
manifested: “for… action adventure heroes, the legal system is only an
impediment to getting things done” (Jeffords 142).

However, outside of just the
Terminator Hollywood franchise, other films perpetuate the same notions.
Animated children films---often working with dichotomous caricatures—will implement
conceptions of masculinity into their characters. For example, Finding Nemo had Nemo’s dad Marlon
voiced at a much lower pitch than the head shark who tried to eat him. Mind you
that Marlon was characterized as less apprehensive and “manly” than other male
fish in the film. Jeffords, nevertheless, points out that perhaps the reasoning
behind Disney’s use of masculinity was “to forward the image of unloved and
unhappy white men who need kindness and affection rather than criticism or
reform, in order to become their ‘true’ selves again” (148).

Jefford continues to explore
masculinity through Disney children films. He notes how Beast cared for Belle: “all
of Beauty’s needs are met magically” (150). Beast is the provider of Belle,
giving her his home, food, servants, etc.—despite her being held against her
will. In the end, however, it is Belle that breaks his hard, literally beastlike
exterior, reinforcing Jefford’s idea that masculinity often masks the notion
that the man needs to be made happy.